Asheville, North Carolina is known for being a city of culture and entertainment. It has quickly become a center for economic growth, excellent careers, and rising property values for those who have made an investment in a home. It is also a city of unparalleled beauty, a place where mile-high mountains rise from the downtown skyline. Unlike other mountain and high elevation cities in the country, however, Asheville is not known for frequent bouts of winter weather. The average temperature remains relatively mild throughout the cold season. The mercury only dips below freezing about seven times each year on average, and the lower elevations of Buncombe County only see about a foot of snow annually.
Nevertheless, winter weather events that include snow, ice, and freezing rain occur several times each year. One of the things that makes our area unique is how different elevation and weather conditions can be from one town to another. In the higher elevation regions around the Tennessee border, some places average upwards of two or three feet of snow each year. When you are driving around western North Carolina in the winter, there are definitely hazards for which to watch out.
In this article, we have a few key tips for making sure you, your family, and your car stay safe all winter long.
Five Tips for Traveling Safely During Winter in Western North Carolina
1) Be Aware of Winter Weather
Nothing beats knowledge. Knowing what to expect between where you begin driving and your destinations is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your family safe and your vehicle from being damaged. Here is how you stay weather aware:
- Check the forecast before you head out. Make sure you know what to expect at your destination.
- Do not rely solely on weather apps. Listen to professional meteorologists.
- Follow local meteorologists on social media.
- Find out how roads are treated in your area and wherever you are traveling.
- Remember that wet roads during the day can freeze quickly when the sun goes down.
If you are armed with the knowledge of potential weather conditions, you will be much more equipped to drive safely in and around Asheville.
2) Practice Proper Maintenance
When we enter the cold season in western North Carolina, your vehicle needs to be in tiptop shape. Not only will this help you prevent an accident, but it will also help make sure you have the best chance of not stuck on the side of the road in the cold. Your tires, brakes, transmission, power steering, and oil I’ll play a role in keeping you safe this winter.
3) Practice Emergency Preparedness
Anytime snow or ice falls from the sky, you can count on some vehicle crashes and people finding themselves stuck on the side of the road. You need to have a few supplies just in case you do find yourself getting into an accident, getting stuck in snow and ice, experiencing a breakdown, or encountering any kind of emergency situation. Items you should carry during winter include:
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- Road flares
- Extra blankets and coats
- A few non-perishable food items
- A tire iron
- Kitty litter for deicing
- A shovel and ice scraper
- Have spare tire in good condition and inflated
4) Practice Safe Winter Weather Driving
You cannot control other drivers; however, you can control your vehicle during winter weather. If you must drive well there is snow or ice on the road, it is important to practice safe winter driving habits, such as:
- Slowing down to inappropriate speed for the conditions
- Using your headlights wind snow or precipitation is falling
- Leaving yourself twice as much room for slowing down and stopping
- Avoiding heavy braking and sudden sharp turns
- Maintaining a slow and steady speed when going downhill
- Avoiding parking on any kind of steep grade
- Driving cautiously and defensively
5) Repair Vehicle Body Damage Sooner Rather Than Later
Even if you have small dents and dings, or damage from a minor fender bender, you need to make sure you visit your body shop. The substances used to treat roads during winter weather can lead to the development of rust and corrosion. Even if you are driving safely and prepared for emergencies, you could still incur expensive vehicle damage just from driving on treated roads if you don’t have your vehicle’s body repaired.
First Aid Collision in Asheville has seen a number of hard winters. We want to keep you safe and help ensure your vehicle does not incur damage if at all possible. However, if you do find yourself in a fender bender, your vehicle’s body is damaged by falling limbs or ice, or you were involved in an accident, bring your automobile to the team at First Aid Collision. Contact us for more information, or to schedule a collision repair.